• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Minnesota Council On Disability

Your Policy, Training and Technical Resource

Search

  • About
    • About MCD
    • Additional Information
    • Annual Agency Reports
    • Governing Council
    • Our Mission
    • Staff
    • Statute and Responsibilities
  • Blog and News
    • Blog
    • News
  • Public Policy
    • About Our Public Policy
    • Bill Tracking
    • Engaging with Government
    • Legislative Updates
    • Public Policy Agenda
  • Technical Assistance
    • Access for Businesses
    • Accessible Housing
    • Digital Accessibility
    • Disability Parking
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Employment
    • Laws and Regulations
    • Service Animals
    • Snow Removal
    • Training
    • Transportation
    • Voting
  • Events and Outreach
    • Community Outreach
    • MCD Events
  • Additional Resources
  • RDAC
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / News / MCD Hosts COVID-19 Disability Community Panel

MCD Hosts COVID-19 Disability Community Panel

December 21, 2020

Kody Olson, Commissioner Jodi Harpstead, Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and ASL and CDI interpreters on ZoomAs a segment of the Legislative Forum, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) hosted a discussion around COVID-19’s impact on Minnesota’s disability community. Panelists included the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcolm and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. MCD’s Kody Olson moderated the discussion. He serves as the disability advisor to the State Emergency Operations Center.

At the heart of the robust conversation was the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on the disability community, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions and folks who live in congregate care settings, such as group homes. To support the disability community in navigating this crisis, both Commissioners rely on their past experiences in service of the disability community. Commissioner Harpstead led Lutheran Social Services, and Commissioner Malcolm led Courage Kenny. The Commissioners rely on state government public servants and disability community advocates. Commissioner Harpstead noted that “the disability community has been at the top of my mind throughout COVID-19” and added that DHS has issued over 100 waivers of rules and regulations to meet the community’s needs and provide flexibility for providers and families, PCAs, and others.

Commissioner Malcolm discussed the COVID-19 vaccine and including the disability community in equitable allocation. The Commissioner added that those with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities should be included in the priority list and those who live in congregate settings and use care providers like PCAs. Commissioner Malcolm mentioned that Minnesota’s Vaccine Allocation Advisory Committee provides input on the allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine and added that the disability community has a representative on that group who has assisted in adding specificity to the guidance.

The State of Minnesota continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Minnesota Council on Disability supports. To get in touch with MCD on this topic, contact Kody Olson at kody.olson@state.mn.us. The Disability Hub MN supports individuals throughout the pandemic by answering questions and helping people navigate resources. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has information and resources for the disability community. Join the MDH Disability Unit’s “Let’s Talk” forum discussing vaccines on January 12 at 11:00 am.

Footer

Find Us

Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD)
1600 University Avenue W, Suite 8
Saint Paul, MN 55104

For accommodation requests, including requesting any document on this website in an alternative format, visit our ADA Title II page.

Contact Us

Phone: 651-361-7800 (VRS)
Toll-free: 1-800-945-8913 (VRS)
Fax: 651-296-5935

Email: council.disability@state.mn.us

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest MCD news and updates sent to your inbox.

Follow Us

MCD on Facebook MCD on Twitter MCD on YouTube

Accessibility of Our Site · Privacy Notice · Site Map
© 2023 · Minnesota Council On Disability. All rights reserved. · Built by Westwords